320/2024-2025

14th November, 2024 : Serchhip, Mizoram - A large-scale Mega Mock Drill was conducted today in Serchhip to simulate disaster scenarios and test the district’s preparedness for various emergency situations. The drill, organized by the Serchhip District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), included a comprehensive training session on landslides, building collapses, and fires, chaired by Serchhip DDMA Chairman Pu Paul L. Khuma.

The exercise began promptly at 10 AM with the activation of the Incident Response System (IRS) at the District Emergency Operation Center (DEOC). The first emergency report came in from the Hmar Veng Village Council President (VCP) at 10:06 AM, informing the Serchhip Bawrhsap, Responsible Officer (RO), of a landslide incident. As a result, Additional Deputy Commissioner Pu Lalrinzuala was appointed as Incident Commander, and DDMA members, along with the Incident Response Team, were mobilized to DEOC.

As the mock disaster unfolded, further reports were received:

- Field Veng VCP informed of a collapse at Serchhip Auditorium,

- The Headmaster reported the collapse of the Presbyterian English School building,

- District Medical Superintendent reported the collapse of the Hospital Trauma Ward, and

- VCP New Serchhip South reported a forest fire 

- Damaged 11kv line caused blackout in the whole town.

The Staging Area Manager was immediately appointed to oversee logistics. Rescue equipment, ambulances, food, and supplies were deployed at Leisekawt Field, and search-and-rescue teams were sent to each disaster site.

The emergency response teams worked to contain the simulated incidents. The Power and Electricity teams focused on repairing a damaged 11kV line in Serchhip town, while Fire and Emergency Services personnel worked to control the forest fire. Rescue operations and evacuation of the injured were carried out at all affected areas, with a make-shift hospital set up to treat the casualties. Injured victims were attended to by medical teams.

A Relief Camp was established at the Serchhip Indoor Stadium to shelter displaced victims. Meanwhile, magistrates and police teams visited disaster sites to confirm the bodies of the victims, and the police cordoned off the danger zones to prevent crowds from interfering with the rescue operations.

Once the drill concluded, a debriefing session was held via Video Conference at Serchhip DC Meeting Hall. The Responsible Officer provided updates, and NDMA officials commended the district’s response and readiness, stating that the preparations and measures were commendable and that personnel had performed their duties effectively.

A review meeting followed, where participants discussed observations and offered recommendations for improving disaster preparedness.

The mock drill saw active participation from various agencies, including Police, Fire & Emergency Services, Health & Family Welfare (H&FW), MPRO, Quick Response Teams,  PHE, Power & Electricity Department, BSF, Assam Rifles, Ex-servicemen, PES Teachers and Students, Adventure Club, and numerous NGOs, Village Councils (VCs), and members of the public.

Serchhip DDMA Chairman Pu Paul L. Khuma concluded the event by expressing his gratitude to all participating organizations, community leaders, school officials, and the citizens of Serchhip for their active involvement and support in the successful execution of the drill.

The exercise highlighted the district’s readiness to respond to disasters efficiently, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents in times of crisis.